Transport Minister welcomes start to new £5M Bishopton Road Development

7 September 20152015-09-07T10:30:00+02:00

Work has started on a major £5 million new link road which will significantly improve transport links in Renfrewshire. The road infrastructure project supports the multi-million pound regeneration of the 1,800 acre former Royal Ordinance site in Bishopton that BAE Systems is currently redeveloping into new housing, community and commercial developments and public open space.

The Bishopton development is one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK. The new 1.7km road will link the north and south sections of the Dargavel Village housing element of the site and will allow the transfer of commuter traffic away from the main Bishopton village access routes.

The construction of the new route between Slateford Road and Barrangary Road is being completed in partnership with locally based company Raynesway Construction Limited, which supports BAE Systems’ commitment to supporting the local community and economy. There are currently more than 40 people working on the project, which is due for completion in early 2016.

Scottish Government Transport Minister and local MSP, Derek Mackay, welcomed the start of construction work on the road in his constituency, describing it as bringing ‘benefits to the local economy’. He said:

“This is an important development for the continuing regeneration of the Bishopton area and it is exciting to see the scale of the work that is being carried-out to improve transport links.

“This type of project requires a team effort and the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland will continue to support this ambitious transformation as it moves forward and brings benefits to the local economy.”

BAE Systems Bishopton Programme Manager, Jon Gettinby said the start of this stage of the development cemented the company’s commitment to work with the community to improve access and surroundings for those living on and around the development.

“This is a truly transformational project for all involved and starting work on the link road is a hugely significant milestone for the project. Creating this vital transport link between the north and south of the Dargavel housing development will provide a further essential infrastructure to support Bishopton and the local community in and around the town.

“Through the Bishopton transformation project, BAE Systems is committed to bringing new jobs and commercial opportunities to the area, adding a fantastic new range of family homes and creating an environment which not only sits comfortably with the existing village, but further enhances Bishopton’s position as one of Scotland’s key locations.”

Stephen Scott, Managing Director of Raynesway Construction Limited said: “Raynesway Construction is delighted to be involved with BAE Systems on the construction of the road infrastructure of the Bishopton development.

“We previously played a key role in the completion of the Northern Access Road in 2012 and as a local firm, it’s great for our team to be involved in such a significant project right on our doorstep.”